A slightly obese female client with a history of allergy-induced asthma, hypertension, and mitral valve prolapse is admitted to an acute care facility for elective surgery. The nurse obtains a complete history and performs a thorough physical examination, paying special attention to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. When percussing the client's chest wall, the nurse expects to elicit:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Resonant sounds. Percussing the chest of a healthy individual typically elicits resonant sounds due to the presence of air-filled lung tissue. In this case, the client has a history of asthma, which indicates airway inflammation and possible mucus accumulation, making resonant sounds more likely. Hyperresonant sounds (B) are typically heard in conditions like emphysema with increased lung volume. Dull sounds (C) are indicative of fluid or solid tissue present in the lungs, which is not expected in this client. Flat sounds (D) are heard over areas of solid tissue or muscle, not in the chest of a client with respiratory conditions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Give a bronchodilator by nebulizer. In acute asthma, the priority is to relieve respiratory distress by opening up the airways. Bronchodilators help to quickly alleviate bronchospasm and improve airflow. This action should be taken first to improve the client's breathing. Taking a full medical history (A) can be important but is not the priority in this acute situation. Applying a cardiac monitor (C) is not the immediate concern in acute asthma. Providing emotional support (D) is also important but should come after ensuring the client's respiratory distress is managed.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B (0.04 percent) because the concentration of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere is around 400 parts per million (ppm), which is equivalent to 0.04 percent. This concentration is widely accepted by scientific research and measurements. Choice A (0.004 percent) is too low and doesn't accurately reflect the actual concentration. Choice C (0.4 percent) and choice D (4.0 percent) are both too high, which are significantly above the current levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Therefore, B is the correct choice as it aligns with the established scientific data on carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: over 12 years. Life-long nonsmokers live significantly longer than those who smoke heavily in their mid-twenties. Smoking two packs of cigarettes a day significantly increases the risk of various health conditions leading to premature death. On average, smoking can reduce life expectancy by over 10 years. Therefore, the correct answer is over 12 years. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they underestimate the impact of smoking on life expectancy and do not adequately reflect the significant difference in longevity between smokers and life-long nonsmokers.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Diaphragm and intercostal muscles. The diaphragm is the primary muscle responsible for inhalation and exhalation by contracting and relaxing, respectively. Intercostal muscles aid in expanding and contracting the rib cage to assist in breathing. The combination of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles working together ensures efficient ventilation of the lungs in mammals. Choices A and B are incorrect because the muscular wall of the lungs and intercostal muscles alone are not solely responsible for regulating ventilation. Choice C is incorrect because the diaphragm alone does not govern ventilation movements without the assistance of the intercostal muscles. Therefore, the correct answer is D as it accurately reflects the coordinated effort of both the diaphragm and intercostal muscles in regulating lung ventilation.